Mike Wilder hospitalized following racing incident
WASHINGTON, PA, June 8, 2024 — A harness racing event at The Meadows took a terrifying turn on Saturday when a three-horse accident occurred during race three. Drivers Hunter Myers, Palone, and Mike Wilder were involved in the incident, with Wilder being thrown from his horse, Battleshoe Hart, and landing on the track.
The accident occurred on the backstretch as Wilder’s horse broke stride and collided with another horse, causing him to be unseated. Heather Wilder, Mike’s wife, reported that he was briefly unconscious on the track before being airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh for further evaluation. Fortunately, Wilder was conscious and speaking on the phone upon arrival at the hospital. While Palone and Myers escaped injury, Battleshoe Hart had to be euthanized on the track.
The video of the accident is available for viewing, but viewer discretion is advised.
In other racing news, Be Dazzled Lou A emerged victorious in the feature race at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, with driver Dave Palone guiding the 5-year-old gelding to a career-best time of 1:50.2. The race also saw Anthony MacDonald and Palone each securing a triple win on the 13-race card.
Looking ahead, live racing at The Meadows will resume on Wednesday with a $638.15 carryover in the Pick 5. Fans can catch the action starting at 12:45 PM.
For more race results, visit US Trotting results.
by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
[Detailed biography of Mike Wilder goes here]